How long does it take to get a temporary license plate for a new car?
2 Answers
Temporary license plates can usually be obtained on the same day of application. Below is relevant information about temporary license plates: Temporary license plates serve as a transitional phase before obtaining the official license plates. They have the same legal effect as official license plates, but with a time limit. Once the official license plates are obtained, the temporary ones become invalid. There are two types of temporary license plates: The first type is for temporary driving within the administrative jurisdiction, issued with a validity period not exceeding 15 days, and the color is blue. The second type is for temporary driving across administrative jurisdictions, issued with a validity period not exceeding 30 days, and the color is yellow.
I just bought a new car and got the temporary license plate on the same day I picked it up. The staff at the 4S dealership was quite reliable—they helped me prepare all the paperwork: a copy of my ID, the car purchase invoice, and the insurance policy. It was all done in less than an hour. The whole process went smoothly. If you were to handle it yourself at the DMV, you might have to wait in long queues for an extra day or two, but through the 4S dealership, you can usually get it done on the spot. During the validity period of the temporary plate, I can drive normally on the road and switch to the official license plate once it arrives. I recommend asking the salesperson in advance about the required documents when buying a new car to avoid delays from missing materials. Processing times may vary slightly by location—mine was quick in Beijing, but a friend in Guangzhou had to wait two days. The key is to have all the documents ready. Overall, don’t worry too much—getting a temporary plate is usually fast, and at most, it won’t delay you more than a few days.
